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BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5984

SB 5984: AI companion chatbots

Regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots.

Summary

  • Requires operators of artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots to issue certain notifications and implement precautions for minors.
  • Requires operators of AI companion chatbots to implement protocols for detecting and addressing expressions of self-harm.

From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report (ESSB 5984), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
  1. IntroducedJan 12, 2026
  2. Out of committeeFeb 2, 2026
  3. Passed SenateFeb 12, 2026
  4. Passed Housestopped here
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Lisa Wellman (D-41)
Introduced
January 12, 2026 in the Senate
Last action
March 12, 2026
Requested by
Governor
Companion bill
HB 2225
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5984, SSB 5984, ESSB 5984

AN ACT Relating to regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Lisa Wellman (D-41)

8 co-sponsors (7 Democrats, 1 Republican)

Sharon Shewmake D-42Noel Frame D-36Bob Hasegawa D-11T'wina Nobles D-28Jamie Pedersen D-43Marcus Riccelli D-3Javier Valdez D-46Jeff Wilson R-19

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed February 12, 2026
Version voted on: ESSB 5984
38 Yea 11 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat30000
Republican81100
How each member voted
Permalink to this vote

History

  1. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (ESSB 5984)
  2. Referred to Rules 2 Review. (ESSB 5984)
  3. Minority; without recommendation. (ESSB 5984)
  4. Minority; do not pass. (ESSB 5984)
  5. TEDV - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (ESSB 5984)
  6. TEDV - Executive action taken by committee. (ESSB 5984)
  7. First reading, referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans. (ESSB 5984)
  8. Third reading, passed; yeas, 38; nays, 11; absent, 0; excused, 0. (ESSB 5984)
  9. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5984)
  10. Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5984)
  11. 1st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5984)
  12. 1st substitute bill substituted.
  13. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5984)
  14. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  15. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5984)
  16. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  17. ENET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5984)
  18. Minority; do not pass. (ESSB 5984)
  19. Minority; without recommendation. (ESSB 5984)
  20. Minority; without recommendation.
  21. Minority; do not pass.
  22. ENET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  23. First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.
  24. Prefiled for introduction.

SB 5984 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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